n-Pentane
Agent Name
n-Pentane
CAS Number
109-66-0
Formula
C5-H12
Major Category
Solvents
Synonyms
Amyl hydride; Pentan [Polish]; Pentane; Pentanen [Dutch]; Pentani [Italian]; Skellysolve A; Tetrafume; Tetrakil; Tetraspot; [ChemIDplus] normal-Pentane; Normal pentane; Pentanes; [CAMEO] UN1265
Category
Aliphatics, Saturated (<C12)
Description
Colorless liquid with a gasoline-like odor; Note: A gas above 97 degrees F. May be utilized as a fuel; [NIOSH] Clear colorless liquid; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]
Sources/Uses
Used as a chemical raw material and in lighter fluids, blowtorch fuels, laboratory solvents, blowing agents for plastics, gasoline additives, and aerosol propellants; [HSDB] Used as foaming agent for expanded polystyrene (EPS) and polyurethane, process diluent/carrier for polymerizations, formulation solvent in adhesives, and for other minor uses (pharmaceuticals, degreasing agents, lubricants, stain removers, and cleaning agents); [ExPub: CPS&Q: RARs - Final Risk Assessment Report]
Comments
Ingestion can cause aspiration into the lungs; May cause CNS effects; High atmospheric concentrations can cause oxygen deficiency leading to unconsciousness or death; [ICSC] Very high vapor concentrations may cause narcosis; Harmful by ingestion (may cause lung damage by aspiration); Vapor is not irritating to eyes or throat; Nearly harmless by skin contact; [CHRIS] Causes painful burning sensation and itching on skin contact; Five hour exposure causes blisters but no anesthesia; [HSDB] May cause irritation; Inhalation may cause drowsiness or dizziness; An aspiration hazard by ingestion (may cause lung injury); Targets the CNS, heart, and lungs; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Insufficient data
TLV (ACGIH)
1000 ppm
PEL (OSHA)
1000 ppm
MAK
1000 ppm
IDLH (NIOSH)
1500 ppm
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs
Other animal data: It has been reported that narcosis occurs after 5 to 60 minutes of exposure to 90,000 to 120,000 ppm [Patty 1963]. \
Human data: Mucous membrane irritation or other symptoms were not noted after a 10minute exposure of 5,000 ppm [Patty and Yant 1929].
Vapor Pressure
514 mm Hg
Odor Threshold Low
119 ppm
Odor Threshold High
1147 ppm
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) = 364,000mg/m3/4hr
Explanatory Notes
IDLH = 10% LEL (lower explosive limit); Odor threshold from AIHA; Flash point = -40 deg C; VP from HSDB;
NFPA
burn readily
Adverse Effects
Neurotoxin
Acute solvent syndrome
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: